Ependymomas are tumours arising from the ependymal cells lining the fluid-filled ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. They occur in both children and adults — commonly in the fourth ventricle in children and in the spinal cord in adults.
Because ependymomas often sit close to critical brainstem and spinal cord structures, surgery requires meticulous microsurgical technique. Dr. Nilesh Jain has experience with fourth-ventricular and intramedullary spinal tumours, where careful dissection makes the difference in outcome.
एपेन्डाइमोमा दिमाग या रीढ़ की हड्डी (spinal cord) के अंदर बनने वाला ट्यूमर है। ऑपरेशन में जितना ज्यादा ट्यूमर निकले, उतना अच्छा परिणाम मिलता है।
Symptoms of ependymoma
- Headache and vomiting, often due to blocked fluid pathways (hydrocephalus)
- Imbalance and unsteady walking
- Neck pain or stiffness
- In spinal ependymoma: gradually progressive weakness or numbness of limbs
- Bladder or bowel disturbance in spinal tumours
Treatment of ependymoma
Maximal safe surgical removal is the most important step in treating ependymoma — the extent of removal directly influences long-term outcome. Tumours blocking the fluid pathways may also need treatment of hydrocephalus.
After surgery, radiotherapy is advised for higher-grade or incompletely removed tumours. Follow-up MRI of the brain and entire spine is important because ependymomas can occasionally spread through the cerebrospinal fluid.
Why patients choose Dr. Nilesh Jain
Dr. Nilesh Jain (M.B.B.S., M.S., M.Ch.) trained in neurosurgery at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute, Trivandrum — among India's premier neurosurgical centres — and has been a Consultant Neurosurgeon in Indore since 2010. He is Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery (SAIMS) and holds a 4.8★ rating from 190+ Google reviews. Consultations are unhurried, investigations are advised only when needed, and surgery is recommended only when it genuinely helps.